100 
JOURNAL OF A 
which illumined the surrounding heath, showing, to the ri^ht, the 
weary oxen belonging to the waggons, lying in different attitudes, 
and at various distances, and, to the left, our horses in similar po- 
sitions; the two covered waggons in the back-ground, and the 
slaves and Solomon asleep under the bushes. After four o'clock, 
some cocks in the waggons announced the approaching day. Their 
crowing was answered by the yells of jackals on the waste, and 
shortly after, by the more frightful howl of a wolf, not very far off. 
Some large birds flew croaking over our heads, and joined the dis- 
mal concert, accompanied by other voices, unknown to us. Never 
did we more gladly hail the morning's dawn. We waked our sleepy 
groom, saddled our horses, and set off, before the sun had risen. 
At the farm of a friendly miller, near the Dassenberg, both w^e and 
our hungry beasts found some refreshment, and after two hours' rest, 
pursued our journey towards Groenekloof. Our arrival, about 
noon, was unexpected. 
This was the hottest day known for some years at the Cape. A- 
bout two in the afternoon, Fahrenheit's thermometer stood at 107° 
in the shade. I found Brother Schmitt and his wife, and Brother 
Stein well, and willing to accompany me on the reconnoitring 
journey into the interior, according to the plan proposed. I spent 
the remainder of the day in walking to different parts of the village, 
and visiting many of the families. Some of them are very poor,which 
the state of the cottages on the west side of the valley sufficiently de- 
clares. Those who, from the number of their children, or from age 
or sickness, are not able to help themselves, are now and then as- 
sisted by a collection made, at stated times, for the relief of the poor; 
but wisdom and discretion are required in the exercise of this cha- 
rity, lest a dependance upon gratuitous help should occasion neglect, 
and prevent proper exertion on the part of the healthy. 
11th. The Sunday-services were held as usual. Groenekloof 
lying in the neighbourhood of large farms, Sunday visitors frequent- 
ly occasion interruption; the Holy Communion, therefore, is here 
likewise celebrated in the evening. To tiie missionaries, as well as 
